PKHT heritage officer Sarah Winslow said: “The Carmelite Friary of Tullilum was founded in 1262, and is thought to be the first Whitefriars house in Scotland, although 10 other friaries followed in subsequent centuries.

“The Carmelite Friary was one of six religious houses based in Perth, indicating its status as one of Scotland’s leading burghs in the medieval period.”

Documents suggest that the friary became the most important Episcopal residence of the Bishop of Dunkeld in the early 1500s.

Ms Winslow said digs in 2008 and between 2014-17 had revealed parts of the friary, its church and the skeletal remains of at least 330 people.

“This archaeological project will reveal important information about the lives of the Carmelite Friars and the people of Perth through the study of architectural remains, archaeological deposits and, most significantly, the physical remains of the people themselves,” she said.

“Given the significance of the site and the scale of the post-excavation work to be completed, PKHT has recommended a staged approach to ensure progress is made prior to additional fieldwork.”

PKHT recently lodged an objection against the council’s plans to revamp St Paul’s Church in the city centre.